SOMERSET, N.J. - With nine days to go until the start of the 2022 FDU women's soccer season, the Northeast Conference announced the 2022 Preseason Poll results for the upcoming campaign. For the third-straight season, the Burgundy and Blue were selected to finish second in the 10-team NEC with two first-place votes.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to improve on last years second place finish and finals appearance," commented head coach Eric Teepe. It is a honor to be viewed as one of the favorites but we clearly understand how difficult it will be to get back to the finals. Our players have worked hard in the off season and now during preseason and look forward to this challenge."

Playing in three of the last five NEC Championship finals, the Knights return all but one of their 2021 All-NEC Honorees, including Offensive Player and Rookie of the Year Aitana Martínez-Montoya and reigning Goalkeeper of the Year in fellow sophomore Malene Nielsen.

Martínez-Montoya and Nielsen were joined by current teammate, senior midfielder Naemi Hausen, on the First Team All-NEC while graduate student Madelyn Robbins, a midfielder, and senior defender Paula Ruess each earned a nod on the Second Team All-NEC.

Hailing from Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain, Martínez-Montoya led the side last fall in goals (8), points (19) and shots on goal (31). The second-year forward led the NEC in goals scored in conference matches last season totaling seven goals in 10 fixtures.

The 2017 NEC Coach of the Year, Teepe enters his ninth campaign on the Hackensack in 2022, coming off his third season at FDU with 10 or more wins and fifth NEC title game appearance.

Against league foes in 2021, FDU finished 6-2-2 with two victories coming in double overtime. The Knights strung a trio of victories together at the midway point of the season, gather crucial points against Sacred Heart (2-0), reigning champs Central Connecticut (2-1) and Wagner (2-1, 2OT) down the home stretch.

Moving to hte 2021 NEC tournament semifinal, the #2 Knights faced #3 Sacred Heart, exploding for a 5-3 victory over the Pioneers setting up a showdown with top-seeded Central Connecticut in the tournament final, a match that FDU would fall in, 3-0.

Opening the 2022 league slate at associate member Howard on September 15, the Knights begin non-conference play on August 18 at Hofstra. Kickoff against the Pride is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Connect with FDU women's soccer on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWSOC.